3 Ways Practically Anyone Can Save With Solar
We’ll get right to the point: If you pay an electricity bill, you probably can save money, and help save the planet, with solar. But there are a few options, and the one that’s best for you depends on a few factors – like property size, the amount of sunlight your roof receives, and whether or not you even have access to your roof. But fear not – we’re here to help you out with this handy guide.
Landowners: Lease Your Land To A Community Solar Developer
If you own a lot of unused, flat land, that get’s a lot of sun, you’re in luck. Community solar developers across the country are looking for land that to lease, which they’ll use to build clean, efficient solar farms. They’re typically looking for a minimum of about 10 acres of dry, flat land close to existing utilities to ease development costs. They’ll then sell the energy produced on the land to the local community, at a discount compared to the going utility rates. And they’re willing to pay a premium to lease your land! You, and your neighbors and local community, will have the opportunity to save money through those discounted rates, and you’ll make even money through regular, predictable lease payments, with absolutely no extra work, and no risk!
US Light Energy, who recently completed two of the largest solar farms in Upstate New York, is a great example. They are currently looking for additional land to lease in most regions throughout the country. You can apply to lease your land here.
Homeowners: Install A Solar Roof For Free
As the cost of materials (particularly silicon, which is the primary component in solar cells) has declined over the last decade or so, “solar roofs,” or roof mounted solar installations, have become incredibly popular, for two really important reasons: 1) The value of the energy created by a roof mounted system on a typical home now far exceeds the cost of installation, making a solar roof more than just environmentally friendly – its now a smart financial decision; and 2) Solar installers, along with utility companies, regulators and local and state agencies, have come together to develop a new business model that allows you, the homeowner, to have one of these systems installed, absolutely free, and offering you a significant savings on your electricity bill! Here’s how that model works:
Like the Community Solar model, you’re actually not purchasing a solar power system, and you aren’t generating electricity for yourself. Instead, you’re leasing space on your roof to a solar power system installer and operator, who will install the system on your roof, and sell the power generated back to the utility company. You’ll receive a share of the profits in the form of a discount off of your utility bill (often a significant savings.)
SunPower is the leading solar power system installer and operator, and they often run some really amazing offers. At last check, they were offering 6 months of free electricity for all new installations! They also offer a free “solar savings estimate” so you can find out exactly how much you can save with solar. Simply enter your zip code, then complete the form with your address, an one of their reps will analyze the Google Maps image of your home to figure out exactly how much sun your roof gets, and contact you with details about how much you can save!
Renters and Condo and Co-Op Owners Can Save With Solar Too!
That’s right. Even if you rent, even if you live in a town home or high rise apartment, or if you don’t have complete control over your roof, like a Condo or Co-Op owner, you can still save with Community Solar! Community Solar operators sell the clean solar energy their systems create at a significant discount, allowing anyone that pays an electricity bill to save! Because your utility company is still responsible for delivering electricity to your home, you won’t need any new equipment, nothing will have to be installed, you you won’t have to pay for anything. Most don’t even require a long term contract. Just sign up and start saving about 10% off of your electricity bill right away! This is, quite simply, one of the easiest, most risk free, and environmentally friendly ways to start saving money right away.
Nexamp is one of the leading Community Solar developers in the country – and with projects up and down the East Cost, in the Midwest, and West Coast, they probably have a project near you!